Kolkata, Aug 28: Moments after bagging India’s first ever table tennis medal at the Asian Games, star paddler G. Sathiyan rated the bronze-winning performance as the country’s biggest achievement in the sport so far.

The men’s team had to be content with the bronze medal following a 0-3 loss to South Korea in the semi-finals of the ongoing 18th Asian Games.

“I would rate this as India’s biggest achievement in the sport so far,” Sathiyan told IANS over the top-ranked phone from Jakarta.

Sathiyan started the proceedings on a bright note, winning the first game 11-9. But eventually, the World No. 39 lost the next three games 9-11, 3-11, 3-11 to Lee Sangsu.

top-ranked player Sharath Kamal then followed suit, losing to Jeoung Sik 9-11, 9-11, 11-6, 11-7, 8-11 while Amalraj lost 5-11, 7-11, 11-4, 7-11 to Jang Woojin.

“We lost 0-3 but we have a good fight. Indian table tennis is definitely on the upward spiral and the results are now in front of all of you on a consistent basis,” Sathiyan added.

At the Commonwealth Games earlier this year, India put up a stellar show by winning three gold, two silver and three bronze medals.

“I am really happy with the way things are shaping up. We are a much stronger force now and the way we played was inspiring,” he added.